18. University of Hull

The University of Hull is easily identified by its 'lifted study-storehouse', the Brynmor Jones Library, where Larkin worked for 30 years. He was also largely instrumental in its creation. Larkin said: 'Librarianship suits me … and it has just the right blend of academic interest and administration that seems to suit my particular talents, such as they are'. Most of his lunchtimes were spent in the former Refectory (latterly Staff House), where he would talk over drinks with friends and colleagues. The old Assembly Hall in the Cohen Building was the setting for Larkin's unfinished poem 'The Dance'. Middleton Hall, built in the 1960s, serves as a venue for guest lectures and concerts and houses an art collection. Larkin attended many functions here and occasionally introduced visiting lecturers, including Ted Hughes in 1975. Afterwards, he would be among the group that walked over to the Newland Park Hotel (now the Old Grey Mare). Visitors are welcome to look around the library - simply ask at the reception desk on arrival. Postcode: HU6 7RX Geocodes: GPS (WGS84) Co-ordinates Latitude: 53° 46.2647 Longitude: 0° 22.1149 OS Co-ordinates Easting: 507621 Northing: 431759

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